Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what plans she has for the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Fund beyond March 2025; and whether she has had recent discussions with the Minister for Women and Equalities on that fund.

This Government is committed to ensuring that all victims of rape and sexual abuse have the information and support they need. On 1 October 2024, I wrote to recipients of the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Fund to confirm that HM Treasury have announced departmental budgets for financial year 2025/26 will be set out through a Budget on 30 October 2024. I understand the need to prioritise confirmation of their budgets as early as possible. My office is in the process of arranging a meeting with the Minister for Women and Equalities and I look forward to meeting with her in due course.